July 15, 2025 3:30 a.m.

Umpqua Health Alliance’s Community Advisory Council has awarded over $507,000 in funding to four community-led initiatives in Douglas County.

A UHA release said the selected projects focus on expanding access to childcare, youth development, public recreation, and workforce education.

The grants are part of Umpqua Health Alliance’s 2025 Community Health Improvement Plan, which supports strategies related to social determinants of health, behavioral health, nutrition, and services to children and families.

CEO Brent Eichman said, “Our commitment to community health begins with investing in the wellbeing of our youth, supporting families, and revitalizing the public spaces where we live, learn and connect”. Eichman said, “This funding is a promise to create expanded access, healthier and safer environments for every member of our community”.

The awards are:

*$72,650 for the South County YMCA After School Program led by the YMCA of Douglas County.

*$90,000 for a Youth Workforce Development Pilot led by the Boys & Girls Club of the Umpqua Valley

*$195,000 for a Stewart Park Revitalization Project led by Thrive Umpqua

*$150,000 for the Riddle Activity Center Playground led by Riddle Roots Community Projects.

The release said each of the funded projects was selected through a competitive process guided by UHA’s Community Advisory Council, composed of community members, local leaders and public health advocates.